After the competition ended, the onlookers were still in high spirits, cursing and swearing. The Uighur envoys and military officials in Luoyang, as well as the Uighur merchants who were invited to watch the competition, were also shouting and ridiculing. Unfortunately, they were alone and their voices were drowned out by the overwhelming wave of cursing and could not be heard at all.
Although the Uighurs won the match, it was a tragic victory. They were destined to stop at the third place and would not be able to advance further. Empress Wu sternly warned the Tubo and imperial guards not to repeat the story of the White Horse Temple and the Uighurs. The Tubo people were full of confidence and naturally agreed. The imperial guards also obeyed.
The Uighurs and White Horse Temple people were carried away for treatment. In previous years, there were always people who were injured in fierce fights, so there were imperial doctors waiting outside the field to treat them. However, in previous years, there had never been a case where almost all the players of both teams were injured.
Now it was different. More than 20 players were injured. Even the substitutes on both sides were now riddled with injuries. The two imperial doctors were understaffed and did not bring enough medicine. They sent people to the Imperial Hospital to get medicine and doctors while treating the injured first.
Although the people of White Horse Temple were usually arrogant, domineering, and hated by everyone, compared to the Uighur players, they were still much closer to them. Therefore, the two imperial physicians' did not realize this' and threw their 'international friends' aside and prioritized treating their own compatriots.
They first treated the White Horse Temple people with manpower and medicine. The injured Uighurs could only lie there and moan, but they could do nothing about it. It was almost noon. The Empress Dowager and the Emperor, as well as many other members of the royal family and officials, were going to have lunch. The rest of the people were also going to have lunch. The second round of the competition was set in the afternoon. After everyone had finished their lunch, the doctors from the Imperial Hospital finally arrived. The Uighur patients finally had their saviors. However, the healing methods of the saviors were sloppy and sloppy. Even the fat chef who was having lunch earlier had his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes narrowed. He used a spoon to knock on the rice bucket, as if he was feeding a pig. This made the Uighurs so angry that their stomachs hurt.
The match started in the afternoon. The strongest team of the Tang Dynasty, the imperial guards, and the strongest team in the world, the Tubo team.
As the Imperial Army was the Imperial Army's own team, the soldiers were even more serious than the previous match. If the previous game was mainly for the fun, then this game was the real high-level bow-striking game.
Both sides displayed high standards of horsemanship, horsemanship, bowing techniques, and teamwork skills. It was a true display of strength and beauty. Every lift and every movement, whether it was the flying horses, the intense atmosphere of competition, or the heroic posture of fighting with their staffs, made people feel relaxed and happy, and they cheered loudly.
Yang Fan could see that the Imperial guards had gone all out in this match. They had performed admirably. Whether it was individual performance or teamwork, they were all top-notch. This was the true standard of the Imperial guards. If they had used this kind of energy to compete with the White Horse Temple, the White Horse Temple would not have been at a disadvantage. They would have been left in the dust.
However, compared to the Imperial Army, the Tubo team was a cut above them. To be more precise, the Imperial Army lacked a leader. Just like the role that Yang Fan played in the Cuju competition, they lacked a leader that could be used as a benchmark. This person's role on the court was equivalent to the commander's flag, equivalent to the war drum. He had the effect of inspiring morale and uplifting the hearts of the people.
In a weak team, this kind of leading figure would have no effect on the overall outcome. At most, he would be like Yang Fan in the Cuju competition, displaying his individual brilliance. However, in a team that was strong as a whole, his role was immeasurable. Once such a leader joined the team, if the original team was a big hammer, then the flat head of the hammer would become sharp, and the hammer would become a hammer.
Xue Na's current role was to be the leader of the entire team. His playing style and tactics were undoubtedly outstanding, and his command of the entire team was extremely brilliant. However, he was after all, nearing 40 years of age. He was too steady, but lacked drive. He did not have enough initiative on the court.
On the other hand, Li Zhan, Yehuli, Di Guangyuan, Wang Tongjiao, Wei Yong, Li Dayin, Lu Yan, Gao Chu and the others only had their own strengths. They were not very outstanding. Only Huseruo's offense was the sharpest, but it was still difficult for him to achieve the effect of a sharp knife. Furthermore, he was slightly restrained by Xue Na's calmness, so the Imperial Army could not break through the tight defensive net woven by the opponent.
On the court, Yehuli made a small mistake, and the ball was intercepted by the opponent. The Tubo striker immediately charged forward, and the player who dribbled the ball accurately passed it to the front of his horse. He broke through the Imperial Army's defensive line and dribbled the ball straight towards the goal.
The rearguard of the Imperial Army, Wei Yong, Li Dayin, Lu Yan and Gao Chu quickly returned to defend, and only then did they break his offensive and hit the ball back to the midfield. Both sides fought and collided in the midfield. Although there was some friction, it was all within an acceptable range. However, in terms of the rhythm of the game, it was obvious that the opponent was controlling the game.
Princess Taiping slightly frowned her delicate eyebrows, pinched her chin and said: "If this goes on, the situation of the Imperial Army will not be good."
Shangguan Wan 'er said: "The Art of Bow-Striking was originally passed down from the Tubo. It is reasonable that they are a bit more skilled than us. It seems that this year's Bow-Striking will be won by them again. However, speaking of which, the Imperial Army is already much more skilled than last year. "
Princess Taiping did not answer, but quickly glanced at Yang Fan who was standing at the side of the field with his arms crossed, watching the game attentively: "This kid was originally the best candidate to be the sharp knife. What a pity! If he was on the field, the whole situation would be greatly different. "
Princess Taiping sighed softly.
The game continued on the field. As the Imperial Army was still lacking a strong sharp knife type player, it was difficult for them to cut through the opponent's defense. Moreover, the offense of the opponent's two forwards was fierce and oppressive. At the end of the first quarter of the game, the Tubo team scored a goal, and both sides had a score of 1: 0.
At the start of the second quarter, both sides were in the same situation. Although the Imperial Army tried their best, they were still lacking in spirit. In the middle of the game, Husero received a pass from Xue Na. With the help of Di Guangyuan and Huli, the three of them were like a sharp arrow, penetrating the opponent's back line and charging into the goal in a perfect S shape. They scored a goal and equalized the score.
However, in the following third and fourth quarter of the game, the opponent scored a goal first and then another two goals. During this period, the Imperial Army only scored a goal from Huli, and the score became 4: 2. In the last two quarters of the game, the Imperial Army went from bad to worse, and finally the game ended 7: 4.
Although the Imperial Army did not have much hope for victory before the game, they still hoped for a miracle. When the game ended as expected, the soldiers were dejected, and the tens of thousands of people around the field were silent. Only some Tubo people near the rostrum who were invited by the Tubo ambassador were shouting and cheering for victory.
… …
Wu Zetian watched the entire game, but it seemed that she did not care about the outcome. When the game ended, Wu Zetian smiled faintly and said, "The Tubo team is indeed superior. This year, the Tubo team is the champion again. Hehe, come and bring the golden cup. "
The Tubo ambassador Jay stood up from his seat and patted his clothes. He glanced proudly at the nobles of the Tang dynasty and strode to the front of Wu Zetian. He cupped his hands arrogantly and said with a smile, "This official thanks the Empress for the reward! Hehe, it is not that this official is boasting, but the art of bow-striking originated from my country. In the whole world, there is naturally no one who can compete with my bow-striking technique! "
Jay's arrogant words were overflowing with arrogance. All the civil and military officials of the Tang dynasty who were present looked angry, but Jay was proud of himself and did not think much of it. At this time, the palace maid came up with the golden cup. Wu Zetian slightly waved her hand and said lightly, "Reward!"
"Thank you Empress Dowager for the reward!"
Jie Wei said in a dramatic manner. He flicked his sleeves and took the golden cup. He smiled cheerfully and raised the golden cup high above his head. The Tubo people on the scene immediately let out a burst of enthusiastic cheers.
The Tubo ambassador spun three rounds on the spot and showed everyone his spoils of war. He was about to turn and leave when he suddenly glanced at the table in front of Wu Zetian. He paused and said, "Empress, next year in Shangyuan, I believe the bow-striking competition will still be held. Our Tubo team will definitely have to participate. This official may be presumptuous, but can we first ask the Empress Dowager to specify the prize for next year's reward?"
Saying this was a very rude action. Wu Zetian was a little surprised. She couldn't help but raise her eyebrows and asked curiously, "I wonder what item does the ambassador want to use as the prize?"
Jay said, "Our Tubo team has won the bow-striking competition three times in a row. Each time, the prize is a treasured cup. This official saw that the cup on the Empress Dowager's table is exceptionally magnificent and I like it very much. Since this cup is used by the Empress Dowager, it must be very precious. If this official can win this cup next year and go back, I believe that Zanpu will be very happy. "
As soon as these words were said, the expressions of all the civil and military officials present changed. Shanghai Wan'er was about to scold him when Wu Zetian raised her hand slightly and mimicked their actions. She gently stroked the wine cup on the table and said with a smile, "Ambassador Jay, have you taken a fancy to our 'Jin Ou Forever Solid' cup?"
When Wu Zetian said 'Jin Ou Forever Solid', she deliberately emphasized her tone. Jay, however, replied, "Exactly!"
Although Wu Zetian still had a smile on her face, the corner of her eye twitched a few times. Shanghai Wan'er, who was familiar with her, knew that the Empress was really angry this time.
Jay's words were already a public humiliation to the Tang dynasty. Him specifying the prize for next year's competition to the Empress Dowager was even more disrespectful. Especially when Wu Zetian had already pointed out the name of the treasured cup: 'Jin Ou Forever Solid'. Since it was given such a name, this golden cup had a very important political meaning.
Although Jay was not from the Central Plains, he was a Tubo envoy and was well-versed in the Central Plains' culture. It was impossible for him not to understand the meaning of these words. But he did not hesitate and still wanted to use this cup as a prize. This was not just him being arrogant, it was a deliberate provocation.
Wu Zetian gently stroked the golden cup. The cup was made of pure gold, in the shape of a tripod, round and straight. The rim of the cup was carved with inscriptions and the middle of the cup was carved with the words' Jin Ou Forever Solid '. The outer wall was carved with precious flowers, the stamens of which were made of pearls, rubies and sapphires. On each side of the cup was a pair of deformed dragon ears with precious pearls on the dragon heads.
Wu Zetian gently stroked the cup for a moment and slowly raised her head. Her phoenix eyes were filled with anger as she said softly, "Ambassador Jay, are you sure that Tubo will win?"
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